It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
